With spectacular views, rolling hills, beautiful forests, landscaped gardens and stunning architecture, the Arboretum is one of Canberra’s most popular destinations for recreational and commercial photographers and videographers.
Whether you’re a professional photographer, a filmmaker, or simply looking to create lasting memories, we welcome you to enjoy and share the beauty of this special place. To ensure the safety of our collections and the enjoyment of all visitors, certain types of photography and filming require prior approval and may incur fees.
Click to expand the options below to view details on the different types, associated fees and the application process.
Types of Photography, Filming & Drones
Recreational photography
Visitors are welcome to take photographs for personal use during their visit. Recreational photography is free and does not require an application. Recreational photography includes:
- Casual photos taken during your visit
- Nature and landscape photography for personal enjoyment
- Selfies and family snapshots for private use
Organised Photography
Photography for weddings, family portraits, and other formal or commercial purposes is subject to an application process and associated fees. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Weddings
- Family portraits
- Company or community promotions
- Student productions
- Photography for commercial gain
- Social media content created for business or promotional purposes
Please note: All wedding and family portrait photography is considered organised activity, regardless of who captures the images or the equipment used.
Filming/Videography
All videography, whether recreational or commercial, is subject to an application process and associated fees. This applies to all filming activities, regardless of who is capturing the footage or the equipment used. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Weddings
- Family events
- Film or television production
- Company or community promotions
- Student projects
- Social media content created for business or promotional purposes
The National Arboretum Canberra is a No Drone Zone. Permission for all drone/RPA flights, including recreational and commercial use, must be obtained through an application process and will incur associated fees. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Recreational drone use
- Commercial drone filming or photography
- Drone use for social media content
- Drone use for research or promotional purposes
There are designated drone exclusion areas across the Arboretum where drones cannot be launched, landed, or operated due to their potential impact on visitors, forests, wildlife, and other sensitive natural or cultural areas.
Use this map to view the exclusion zones and to map out your flight plan: Drone Flight Plan Template
Fees & Charges
| Description & Timing | Photography | Videography or Drones |
|---|---|---|
Monday to Thursday (during regular opening hours) | $330 including GST (3 hours) | $750 including GST $1500 including GST |
| Friday to Sunday (during regular opening hours) | $390 including GST | $810 including GST $1650 including GST |
An administration fee may apply in some circumstances | $119 | $119 |
| High impact, large scale, extended or afterhours | Price on application | Price on application |
Important information
- The fees listed above apply to activities taking place during standard business hours.
- Photography or filming that is high impact, extended in duration or scheduled outside business hours will be priced on application.
- An administration fee of $119 may apply in some circumstances.
- Additional conditions may apply depending on the nature and scale of the activity.
- Commercial use refers to any photography, videography, or drone activity intended for financial gain, promotion, or public distribution. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Content created for advertising or marketing purposes
- Social media content for business or influencer activity
- Photography or filming for sale or portfolio development
- Student projects that will be published or assessed
For more information, please contact us at arboretum.events@act.gov.au
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the proposed activity. Applicants should allow a minimum of one week for approval, applications can take longer during peak seasons.
If documents are missing from your application, the week required to process your application will commence from the date the complete set of documentation is provided.
Documentation required for all applications:
- Application Form Submitted (form is located under Apply Now)
- $20 million public liability Certificate of Currency
- Risk Management Plan (Safe Work Method Statement)
Additional requirements for applications including Drones/RPAs:
- Drone registration number
- RPA number: Operation Accreditation
- CASA Pilot Licence
- Detailed flight map outlining the following:
- Take-off and landing locations
- Pilot position during the operation
- Planned flight path
Use this map to view the exclusion zones and to map out your flight plan: Drone Flight Plan Template